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Growing Parsnip

(Pastinaca sativa)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
P P           P P P P P

(Best months for planting Parsnip in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)


  • Easy to grow.
  • Harvest in 120-140 days
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
  • Best planted at soil temperatures between 6°C and 21°C.
  • Space plants: 8-10cm

Best grown in sandy, loamy soil. After planting keep seeds moist - can cover with a wooden plank or mulch - until seeds germinate. Difficult to grow in summer as the seed dries out fast and won't germinate.

Your comments and tips

05 Apr 10 denys Woodroffe (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Mix small seeds with sand, more even spread of seeds
22 Aug 10 Wayne (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
After planting parsnip seed, cover the row with a plank or board. This keeps moisture at a more constant level. Lift board to check for growth. As soon as shoots appear - lift boards.
12 Feb 11 Colin Pearce - Wellington (New Zealand - temperate climate)
WOW....how easy are parsnips. Planted for the first time this summer and we have been eating them for a month...sweet, tender and perfect to mash with my carrots. Going to plant a late summer crop tomorrow and see what happens Good Planting Col
13 Jun 11 William Hill. Motueka. (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I'm having problems growing long parsnips and carrots. I have raised bed gardens which I have filled with compost over the years. I get great germination and huge plant tops but almost no root formation. I have dug and turned the soil many times so I dont think soil depth is the problem. Leaf crops grow well in the same beds. your comments would be welcome
13 Jun 11 Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Your problem might be too much nitrogen in your fertiliser mix. Growing parsnips after your leaf crops without adding more fertiliser might help
07 Aug 11 George (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have never grown parsnip before but want to try sowing some in late August. Which is the best variety for a home gardener??? - Napier (frost free environment)

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See planting calendar for these climate zones

New Zealand - cool/mountain,   New Zealand - sub-tropical,   New Zealand - temperate  

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